System and method for converting radio control transmitter and joystick controller signals into universal serial bus signals

Abstract

A device for converting joystick controller generated analog and digital signals into Universal Serial Bus (USB) format, or for converting imported pulse position modulated (PPM) encoded signals from an external radio control (RC) transmitter into USB format data. The device is used, in an embodiment, for controlling simulated RC model aircraft as displayed, for example on a personal computer screen through the use of computer software. In an embodiment, the device includes a pair of two-axis gimbals, an auxiliary channel control potentiometer, and various control key switches to generate analog and digital joystick type signals as a result of direct manipulation by a user. The device also includes microcontroller circuitry for importing PPM signals, such as PPM signals generated by a commercially available model aircraft RC transmitter, to a USB port signal for interface with a computer.

1. A method for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the method comprising the steps of:
 connecting with a cable the radio control transmitter to an external joystick controller, wherein the joystick controller is capable of generating and providing a first control signal to an adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive; 
 connecting the joystick controller to the adapter, the adapter being suitable for receiving the first control signal generated by the joystick controller, and for receiving a second control signal generated externally by the radio control transmitter and converting the second control signal into USB format data; and 
 connecting the adapter to a USB port, the USB port being suitable for receiving the USB format data and for providing the USB format data to software loaded on the computer. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter is built into the joystick controller. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the joystick controller includes at least one two-axis gimbal. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the joystick controller also includes at least one switch, at least one knob, and at least one trim. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein, the cable is an adapter cord. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 2 radio control transmitter. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 1 radio control transmitter. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein, in the step of connecting the adapter to the USB port, the adapter is connected to the USB port with a USB connector. 
     
     
       9. A method for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the method comprising the steps of:
 connecting with a cable the radio control transmitter to an external adapter included with a joystick controller external to the radio control transmitter, the adapter being suitable for receiving a first control signal generated by the joystick controller, and for receiving a second control signal generated by the radio control transmitter and for converting the second control signal into USB format data; and 
 connecting the adapter to a USB port, the USB port being suitable for receiving the USB format data and for providing the USB format data to software loaded on the computer. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the joystick controller is capable of providing the first control signal to the adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the joystick controller includes at least one two-axis gimbal. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the joystick controller also includes at least one switch, at least one knob, and at least one trim. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 9 , wherein, in the step of connecting the radio control transmitter, the cable is an adapter cord. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 2 radio control transmitter. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 1 radio control transmitter. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 9 , wherein, in the step of connecting the adapter to the USB port, the adapter is connected to the USB port with a USB connector. 
     
     
       17. A system for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the system comprising:
 means for connecting the radio control transmitter to an external joystick controller, wherein the joystick controller is capable of generating and providing a first control signal to an adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive; 
 connecting the joystick controller to the adapter, the adapter being suitable for receiving the first control signal generated by the joystick controller, and for receiving a second control signal generated externally by the radio control transmitter and converting the second control signal into USB format data; and 
 means connecting the adapter to a USB port, the USB port being suitable for receiving the USB format data and for providing the USB format data to software loaded on the computer. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the adapter is part of the joystick controller. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the joystick controller is capable of providing a self-generated control signal to the adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the joystick controller includes at least one two-axis gimbal. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 20 , wherein the joystick controller also includes at least one switch, at least one knob, and at least one trim. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the means for connecting the radio control transmitter includes an adapter cord. 
     
     
       23. The system of  claim 22 , wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 2 radio control transmitter. 
     
     
       24. The system of  claim 22 , wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 1 radio control transmitter. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the means for connecting the adapter to the USB port includes a USB connector.